Why in news?
In September 2025 the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu commissioned India’s first port‑based green hydrogen pilot plant. The project aims to demonstrate clean fuel production at ports and advance the maritime sector’s transition away from fossil fuels.
Project details
- Capacity: The facility can produce around ten normal cubic metres (Nm³) of hydrogen per hour. Renewable electricity powers the electrolyser that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
- Usage: The hydrogen generated will initially be used to power streetlights and provide energy for port operations. Plans include establishing a green methanol production unit and electric vehicle charging stations.
- Investment: The project cost is estimated at around ₹4 crore. It is part of a larger vision to create a green shipping corridor under India’s Sagarmala programme.
About V.O. Chidambaranar Port
Formerly known as Tuticorin Port, it is one of India’s thirteen major ports. It handles bulk cargo, coal, containers and edible oil. The port was renamed after freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar, often called “Kappalottiya Tamizhan”. Its location on the Gulf of Mannar makes it a strategic hub for trade with Sri Lanka and South‑East Asia.
Significance
- The pilot demonstrates the viability of producing green hydrogen at ports, paving the way for cleaner maritime transport and fuel bunkering.
- It supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
- Developing local know‑how in electrolysers and hydrogen storage could reduce reliance on imported technologies and open export opportunities.